What Is Live Scan Fingerprinting?
The California Department of Justice provides an automated service for criminal history background checks that may be required as a condition of employment, licensing, certification, foreign adoptions or VISA/Immigration clearances.

The Live Scan Fingerprinting Process
ASAP Live Scan Fingerprinting will roll/scan applicant fingerprints and submit his or her prints electronically to the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). It takes approximately five to ten minutes for a certified fingerprint operator to type in applicant information (i.e. Name, birth date, gender etc.) into the computer, scan applicant fingerprints and electronically send the information to the DOJ and FBI.

Next, the DOJ and FBI will process applicant criminal background checks using the applicant submitted information and fingerprints. DOJ and FBI background checks can take up two to three days; however, some requests may take up to two weeks or longer depending on the information contained within the record (i.e. If applicant has a past criminal history).

Last, the DOJ and FBI will send applicant criminal history background checks to applicant requesting agency or employer.

Applicant should allow a minimum of seven days before making a status inquiry. Please refer to "Checking on Status of Fingerprint Submission" section below.

The Live Scan process helps in avoiding many of the problems associated with ink prints, such as smudging, smearing, and over or under inking. A major benefit of Live Scan is that your fingerprints are transmitted directly to the Department of Justice. The Department of Justice conducts a criminal background check, based on your fingerprints, results are sent within 24 to 48 hours to your employer or licensing agency.

How Does the Process Work?

A Trained and Certified Technician will scan your fingerprints using a Live Scan machine. The electronic fingerprinting session takes five to ten minutes and your prints are immediately sent via electronic transmission to the appropriate FBI-Certified channeling agencies for background processing. The technician collects all the appropriate fees from you (the live scan applicant).

How to check your live scan results?

To check for your fingerprint results, simply call the Department of Justice at (916) 227-4557. Make sure to have your birth date and ATI number available. The ATI number is on the bottom of the request for live scan form. The system will prompt you to type in the ATI number, for the letters type in the corresponding numbers. For the birth date, type a two digit month, a two digit day, and a four digit year (MM/DD/YYYY).

How long before the requesting agency receives my results?

Three to seven days, some agencies will take longer based on their arrangements with the Department of Justice.

Will I receive the results as well?

No, the applicant does not receive a response. If the applicant is interested in reviewing his or her record he must contact the Department of Justice for record review.

Why are fingerprints rejected? If my prints were rejected would I be required to pay again?

Fingerprints may be rejected for several reasons. The most common are characteristics with the Applicant's fingerprints that would make them difficult to read. This would include blisters, cuts, scars and calluses. If an Applicant's fingerprints are rejected on this basis, the originating Live Scan agency must re-take the Applicant's fingerprints at no additional cost. An Applicant's application for Live Scan service may also be rejected if the Applicant's form is incomplete or improperly filled out. In this instance, fees would be charged to the Applicant to provide them with repeated Live Scan service. It is important that the Request for Live Scan form be complete and accurate when presented to the Live Scan operator for service.

Rarely there will be an instance where an Applicant's fingerprints are rejected because of error on the part of the Live Scan operator. If this is the case the originating Live Scan agency must re-take the Applicant's fingerprints at no additional cost.

If the Live Scan service was provided by a different Live Scan agency, the agency resubmitting the prints has the right to charge their rolling fee.

What do I need to bring if my fingerprints have been rejected and I am having them retaken?

You will need to bring the letter of rejection from the DOJ. This letter contains your ATI (Applicant Transmission Identifier) number which is necessary for resubmission and the reason for the rejection.

If my fingerprints have been rejected because they are difficult to read, how many times must I re-submit by prints?
You are only required to be scanned two times. If after two unsuccessful attempts to capture your prints, your criminal history will be determined by the Department of Justice utilizing a different method of verification.

Why is child fingerprinting so important?

According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, there are nearly 3,000 children reported missing every day. Additional research has also shown that it is critical for parents and police to have fingerprints and vital statistics (and a current photo) on hand to use for comparison when a missing child is believed found.
Taking action now could save precious time later in the event of an emergency. If a child is missing, law enforcement agencies will need an immediate and accurate detailed description of the child and a quick easy way to identify them.
At our location, we have the software and equipment to provide the child fingerprint service. We can also send the ASAP Mobile Live Scan team to coordinate an on-site Child Fingerprint service at your local school or organization. So drop by our office or give us a call!

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Mobile Live Scan Fingerprinting
We provide mobile Live Scan Fingerprinting service for groups of 15 or more applicants. We provide fast, friendly, reliable and convenient service!

Billing Account
If you're always sending your employees for "Live Scan" service you might consider a billing account with ASAP Live Scan Fingerprinting. Call us for details, you might qualify for discounts!

"Request For Live Scan" Forms
Some of the "Request for Live Scan" forms are provided for applicant convenience. Please make sure you are downloading the correct form. If applicant is unsure about which "Request for Live Scan" form to complete, please ask the requesting agency or employer.

*We are not attorneys and, therefore cannot give any advice about immigration or any other legal matters.